Toril GIS Sample

A minimal sample dataset from the Toril GIS project, demonstrating the concept of a fantasy geospatial database for the planet Toril.

Quick Start

You will need QGIS installed (version 3.40 or later recommended).

To explore the data, open the QGIS project file:

toril_gis_sample.qgz

• The project loads all vector and raster layers, applies predefined styles, and uses the custom Toril CRS coordinate system.
• A ./styles/ folder is included with the QGIS layer styles used in this project.

Overview

Toril GIS Sample provides an early, minimal snapshot of the developing Toril GIS project — a geospatial database built for the world of Toril (Forgotten Realms).

This repository contains coarse, highly simplified experimental layers and a prototype digital elevation model (DEM) used during initial data tests. It is intended for demonstration and educational purposes.

Included Layers

All layers use the Toril GCS coordinate reference system. They are provided within the sample QGIS project and stored in the following files:

• Vector data: ./data/toril_gis.gpkg
• Raster data: ./data/toril_gis_dem_v1.tif

Vector Layers

• Geographic Lines – Equator, Prime Meridian, Polar Circles, and Tropic Circles
• Graticule
  • Graticule (FRIA PM) — based on the Forgotten Realms Interactive Atlas prime meridian
  • Graticule (Myth Drannor PM) — aligned to the Myth Drannor prime meridian
• Coastlines – generalized continental and island shorelines
• Lakes – inland water bodies
• Sea Ice – polar ice coverage boundaries
• Ocean – extent of Toril's global oceanic surface
• Continental Ice – large-scale land-based ice masses
• Land – continental landmasses and major islands

Raster Layers

• Hillshade – shaded relief derived from the DEM
• Elevation Model – low-resolution digital elevation model (DEM, in meters) of Toril

If desired, the same vector layers are also available reprojected in the following coordinate systems:

• ./data/toril_gis_orthographic.gpkg — Orthographic (view-optimized globe)
• ./data/toril_gis_mollweide.gpkg — Mollweide (equal-area pseudocylindrical)
• ./data/toril_gis_mercator.gpkg — Mercator (conformal cylindrical)
• ./data/toril_gis_behrmann.gpkg — Behrmann (equal-area cylindrical)

For a deeper explanation of Toril's custom coordinate systems and projection design, see: Crafting Coordinate Systems for Faerûn and Beyond

Intended Use

• Classroom demonstrations in GIS and cartography
• Personal training in QGIS, PostGIS, and raster workflows
• Technical proof of concept for mapping fictional worlds with real geospatial tools
• Early preview for contributors awaiting the public release of Toril GIS

Notes

This dataset is not representative of the complete Toril GIS. It is intentionally incomplete and heavily generalized — a small fossil from the earliest experiments. The included QGIS project provides a minimal but functional environment to explore the sample data and its projections.

For more information about the ongoing work, see the Geospatial Grimoire project.

Usage Terms

Toril GIS is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Wizards of the Coast's Fan Content Policy. Not approved or endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. © Wizards of the Coast LLC.

Attribution to Geospatial Grimoire is appreciated.